Aussie reality shows slammed for lack of ethnic diversity

Local versions of Survivor and The Bachelor are facing backlash from angry fans
- byNew Idea Writer

05 Jul
2016

Network Ten

They’re two of the most hotly-anticipated shows to air later this year, but Australian Survivor and our local version of The Bachelor are already causing controversy.

Just days after the contestants of both shows were officially unveiled by Channel Ten, fans have slammed the network for failing to fairly represent Australia’s ethnically-diverse culture.

Considering 15,000 people applied to be on Survivor alone, there is only one contestant – 44-year-old Aboriginal/South Sea Islander Barry – who breaks the otherwise ‘white’ mould.

The 24 castaways selected for Australian Survivor, which is hosted by Jonathan LaPaglia (top left), only features one contestant of Aboriginal/South Sea Islander heritage

Network Ten

Taking to social media in droves, fans were quick to turn on the show, also citing the lack of diversity when it came to the contestants’ locations and occupations.

The majority of the 24 castaways hail from Queensland, which posed Twitter user Judith L to question: ‘Is it because airfares are cheaper?’, while Myron My added: ‘Two personal trainers, two teachers, two ex-sport players. So much sameness.’

When it came to The Bachelor, the 22 women vying for Richie Strahan’s heart also fit a certain ‘mould’.

‘Way too much white single female going on here and why the hell no rangas?’ questioned Twitter user mysweet.

The 22 women battling it out for Bachelor Richie Strahan (top right) have also been slammed for a lack of diversity